Google has enhanced its AI-powered virtual try-on feature, now allowing users to see how clothes might fit using just a selfie. This update significantly lowers the barrier to entry for the tool, which previously required users to upload a full-body photograph.
The new capability is powered by Nano Banana, the company’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, which generates a complete digital version of the user from a single headshot. The feature is currently rolling out to users in the United States.
From Full Body To Selfie
The updated process is designed for simplicity. Users can now upload a selfie and select their typical clothing size. The AI then generates several full-body images in the selected apparel, allowing the user to choose the most accurate representation to set as their default try-on photo.
For those who prefer the original method, the option to upload a full-body picture remains available. Additionally, users can still select from a diverse range of pre-set models to visualize the clothing on different body types. The virtual try-on feature is accessible on apparel items across Google Search, Shopping, and Images by tapping the “try it on” icon.
Broader AI Commerce Strategy
This enhancement is part of Google’s continued investment in AI-driven commerce and virtual try-on technology. The tech giant also operates a separate, dedicated app called Doppl, which focuses on helping users visualize outfits using AI.
Google recently updated the Doppl app with a shoppable discovery feed that provides AI-generated videos of real products and suggests outfits based on a user’s style preferences. This move signals a clear strategy to integrate AI more deeply into the online shopping experience, creating interactive and personalized formats similar to those on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Relevance for MENA’s E-commerce Boom
For the rapidly expanding e-commerce landscape in the MENA region, Google’s advancement in virtual try-on technology is particularly significant. As online fashion retail grows, a key challenge for companies is managing high return rates, which are often due to poor fit.
AI-powered tools like this offer a powerful solution to enhance customer confidence and reduce returns, directly impacting profitability. Regional e-commerce leaders and emerging fashion tech startups could see this as a benchmark for the kind of user experience needed to compete. The adoption of similar AI and AR technologies could become a critical differentiator for MENA-based retailers looking to improve conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
About Google
Google is a multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. It is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft.
Source: TechCrunch
